The Triumphal Entry

Luke 19:28-40

This culminating moment of Jesus’ earthly ministry has always had a pivotal place in church history. The name “The Triumphal Entry” is well known to us as the day Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey to the adulation of the crowds and the praise of His disciples. As the scene played out on that first “Palm Sunday,” the city was abuzz with every sort of emotion. Worshipers, disciples, onlookers, supporters, detractors, friends and enemies, family and strangers. But this moment was also far more than just the apex of Jesus’ 3 ½ year ministry. No, the foundations of this moment go far back into the past, before time. The Revelation of John tells us that Jesus was, as a lamb, slain from the creation of the world. The events that flowed from this day would bring about the fulfillment of God’s eternal plan of salvation.

But in real-time, at that moment, even the twelve got caught up in the possibilities of Jesus’ “triumphal” entry into the great city at the heart of Judaism. Perhaps He was wrong in His prophecy, recorded in Matthew 26, declaring that he would suffer at the hands of the elders and chief priests. Perhaps the nation would embrace Him as the Messiah, their Savior and Leader.

From where we sit, almost 2000 years later, we can see how all the prophecies unfolded, including Jesus’s suffering, death, and resurrection. But for those followers at the moment, they did not until afterward recognize the fulfillment of Zechariah’s prophecy: Rejoice greatly, Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the warhorses from Jerusalem, and the battle bow will be broken. He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth. (Zechariah 9:9-10)

And shout they did! As John records, they cried out, “Hosanna, blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, blessed is the King of Israel! This was also the moment when the Pharisees insisted that Jesus rebuke the followers making such claims. But Jesus rebuked the Pharisees themselves, explaining that if they were silent, the very stones would declare the coming of the King. This is no hyperbole, for that very thing is still awaiting a fulfillment already prophesied. Revelation 5:13 tells us of a coming day, yet in the future: “And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, “To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever.”

The King had arrived! Jesus’ choice of a donkey was an ancient picture of the King coming in peace, for had he been coming as a conquering king, He would have chosen a warhorse. This day was the time for Israel to choose; would they embrace Him as their Lord and King, their Savior? In chapter 9 of Daniel, the angel Gabriel gave Daniel the prophetic timeline for the people of Israel. He told him there would be 483 years from the decree to rebuild Jerusalem until “Messiah the Prince.” Most Bible scholars believe the very moment of the triumphal entry was the fulfillment of Gabriel’s timeline prophecy, declaring the Messiah. But Gabriel went on to say that at that time, “Messiah will be cut off, and have nothing.” (Daniel 9:26).

Again, from our perspective, we already knew what their response would be. As John writes in the first chapter of his gospel, “He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.” (John 1:11). Jesus’ entry into the very heart of Israel’s corridors of power brought the matter to a head. They would not receive Him, and they would not accept Him as their Leader, their Messiah. He did not fit their criteria. Romans 11 explains that it was this hardening of the hearts of the Jewish nation toward Jesus that opened the door of salvation for us, as Gentiles, indeed for anyone who would come to Him, thus the rest of John’s statement, “But to as many as received Him, he gave the power to become the children of God, even to those who believe in His name.”(John 1:12).

The events of that week following Palm Sunday all resound with both sorrow and joy. Jesus would sit and weep over Jerusalem, would cleanse the temple a second time, would clash with the rulers, would share parables and prophecies, and share a last supper with His closest friends. But most importantly, He would meet, strangely enough, some Greeks who wished to see him. From this, he would tell his disciples, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone. But if it dies, it bears much fruit.” Christ’s glory was not in that moment of the triumphal entry but in the shout from the cross, “It is finished!” The grain would be planted in the earth… and the fruit… much fruit, would be the glorious result!

Gethsemane

Mark 14:32-42

There is a garden located on the side of the Mount of Olives, just past the Valley of Kidron and outside of Jerusalem. This was a familiar gathering place for Jesus and His disciples. Having just left the upper room, the group enters the Garden of Gethsemane late at night this time. Just prior to the entry into the Garden and the events that unfold, there is a beautiful representation of who Jesus was, especially when teaching His disciples. In John 17, we find Jesus lifting His eyes to heaven and praying to the Father for a few things. This was not uncommon, as Jesus often talked with God and modeled prayer to His disciples. In that room, however, we find Jesus first praying for Himself (vv.1-5). Jesus knew what was to come in the hours and days ahead, and He was praying that God would be glorified by Him and through Him. Next, we find Jesus praying for his disciples (vv.6-19). He lifted this group of men up to that Father, asking that the words and truth that had been taught to them would remain and that they would be able to show that to the world. Finally, Jesus prayed for the family of believers that would come (vv.20-26). He lifted up those believers who would hear the truth from the disciples and would believe. Jesus asked that they would be unified together in Christ so as to show God’s glory to the world.

Pause here in a moment of reflection. Spend some time with YOUR eyes lifted to heaven, as Jesus did in those moments surrounded by his disciples, his friends. Pray to God and thank Him for Jesus, the perfect life he led, and His ministry. Then, spend some time praying for the people of our church. We are to be His disciples. Lastly, pray for those who have yet to join the family of believers. Pray for opportunities to share the truth and for the unity of God’s church to be a light in this world.

After this time of prayer, Jesus asked His disciples to come with Him to the Garden. When they arrived, he told most of the disciples to sit in one area while He took his inner trio to go pray a little further away. While walking with John, James, and Peter, He became distressed, troubled, and overwhelmed. He told them that, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.” (Mark 14:34). Jesus then walked a little farther and fell to his knees on the ground with His face to the ground in complete submission. He began to pray that if at all possible, the hour might pass from Him. In this moment, we see a completely different version of prayer from Jesus. His posture, unlike before, shows of someone burdened. He is struggling with the events to come. Jesus KNOWS what lies ahead for him. He prays, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” (v.36). Jesus was struggling. He prays this same prayer three times, knowing the answer already but still crying out to his Abba. That term, Abba, is used as an endearment—signifying a close relationship. At this point in time, the Jewish people did not use that term in prayer. Later, however, we do see Christ followers using the endearment (Galatians 4:6). Here, Jesus is talking with his Father about what he is feeling and experiencing; he is grieved to the point of death—even sweating blood during these moment of prayer to his Abba. This is a pivotal point for Jesus. He is asking for God to take the cup from him. Jesus could have decided to just walk through the Garden of Gethsemane, over the Mount of Olives, and back to Bethany, where his friends lived, but he didn’t. Even as he was praying to God, Jesus knew what needed to be done. He chose to stay. He even went further to show his purpose when, at the end of his time in the Garden, he walked towards the betrayer and those who were coming to get him. (Mark 14:42)

Reflect on the magnitude of what it means that Jesus suffered so greatly in his moments in the Garden. Hebrews 4:15-16 shows that Jesus can sympathize with our weaknesses because he, too, has been tempted in every way that we have, yet he remained without sin. We can draw near to Him with confidence, knowing that he understands us in our times of need.

Finally, we need to talk about the disciples. Jesus asked them, his friends, to be with him and keep watch, yet they failed. Instead, his inner trio fell asleep. Then, Jesus came back from his time of prayer and woke them up. He then told them to keep watch and pray that they would resist temptation. He told them the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. This same pattern was repeated a total of 3 times, with the disciples falling asleep each time Jesus was praying to his Abba. The entire time that Jesus was pouring out his sorrow to the point of sweating blood to God, the disciples slept. At a time when Jesus asked them to keep watch because he knew Judas would be coming, they slept. Even when he asked them to pray for themselves, to resist temptation, they slept.

Finally, ask yourself if you, too, are a “sleeper.” Are you keeping watch and praying that you will resist temptation (because our flesh is weak even when our spirit is willing)? Or, perhaps, are you “sleeping” and missing opportunities to glorify God with the life he has gifted you?

Betrayal & Denial

Luke 1:5-25

One of the most important elements in any relationship is trust. When trust is broken, so is the relationship. It will need restoration. In the events that led to Jesus' crucifixion, we learn of two of his disciples who broke the trust in their relationship with their Lord. Judas betrayed him, and Peter denied him. The Gospels give many references to Jesus' twelve disciples. In fact, Jesus had many followers, but the twelve could be considered the circle of trust. They often didn't understand what Jesus was trying to teach them or prepare them for, but they didn't abandon him. They followed him.

The night of Jesus' arrest began with prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. Things soon became chaotic when Judas Iscariot arrived with a band of soldiers from the chief priests and Pharisees. Matthew 26 tells us that Jesus called Judas "friend," but Jesus knew exactly what his friend was doing. In a simple greeting, a kiss, Judas betrayed Christ and set in motion a series of events that would result in the brutal death of his Lord, his friend.

The pain of betrayal is probably the most confusing kind of pain. Sadness, anger, shock, disappointment, and fear fly at you in a whirlwind of blindsides. These feelings don't surface in typical misunderstandings or aggravation. These feelings come from the broken trust of someone you love deeply; someone you believe loves you deeply. A spouse is unfaithful. A close friend lies and deceives. An admired advisor reveals your secret or selfishly misguides you. A trusted supervisor falsely accuses you. You find yourself in a supernatural time warp, examining every interaction you've had with that person. Was it genuine? Will it be twisted to fit an agenda of character assault? We may even question what we've done to deserve the betrayal.

Peter was zealous. He was usually the one stirred up, the one who would blaze head-on into a fight or an adventure. When Judas led the accusers to the garden, the disciples must have been swimming in a sea of confusion, none more than Peter. Jesus didn't chastise Judas for betraying him. Jesus chastised Peter for falling asleep instead of keeping watch. Peter declared his loyalty to Jesus, even if all the others fell away, and Jesus warned him that he would deny him three times before morning. When the soldiers came to arrest Jesus, Peter drew his sword and cut off a servant's ear. Jesus rebuked Peter and healed the servant. Most of us would probably be discouraged. We would want to question Jesus. "Lord, I'm doing my best, and it doesn't feel like it's good enough." "Child, I want who you are, not what you do." "Lord, I've followed you since the day I met you, and you question my loyalty?" "Child, I know what's best, and you will see how questioning your loyalty will strengthen your ministry." "Lord, I'm trying to protect you and you heal the enemy?" "Child, without me, you have no power. Without my permission, neither does the enemy."

In loyalty mixed with fear, Peter followed at a distance as Jesus was taken before the high priest. Peter entered the courtyard and warmed himself by the fire. And then, Peter denied Jesus. Others in the courtyard confronted Peter, claiming that he was one of Jesus's followers. Three times, he was confronted. Each time, Peter denied even knowing Jesus. When the rooster crowed, Peter realized what he had done: what Jesus had predicted. Luke 22 tells us that the Lord turned and looked at Peter, and Peter went out and wept bitterly. In one glimpse, Peter saw the picture of Christ's unconditional love for him. He had denied knowing his Lord and his Lord forgave him.

We all, at one time or another, are victims of betrayal and denial. It leaves us with a heartache we are sure nobody could possibly understand. But Jesus understands and Jesus models a reaction that heals and turns our focus to His glory. He models forgiveness.

Judas realized his mistake and tried to undo it. Jesus had the power to stop Judas. He had the power to stop the accusers, avoid arrest, not be crucified. But Jesus knew that a more powerful thing had to be accomplished. Forgiveness. Judas didn't acknowledge that his betrayal couldn't be reversed, it could only be forgiven. Instead, Judas rejected the redemption and took his own life.

Peter became one of the most influential evangelists of all the apostles. His ministry outweighed his denial. Jesus redeemed him. Peter didn't camp out in the courtyard. He didn't defend his denial. He didn't stay in a place of bitterness and weeping. He received Jesus' love and forgiveness.

For many, betrayal marks a point of no return. It's the pivot to keeping your guard up so they can never hurt you again. This is when you reach your own personal barricade beckoning you to make a choice. Get revenge, hold a grudge, or forgive. The first two choices hurt, the last heals.

Revenge and grudges will eat you alive. Forgiveness releases you from the weight of holding a grudge and the poison of planning revenge. Forgiveness is yours to give, whether or not you've been asked to.

Denial is powerful and regrettable. Jesus' love is more powerful and He has no regrets. Have you ever felt trapped in the courtyard? So scared and lost that you deny who you are and Whose you are? When we let go of our denial and regret, we find growth in faith. The power of Christ's forgiveness will bring a season of growth and victory. Like Peter, accepting forgiveness will change your world and the world around you.

Judas betrayed and rejected forgiveness. Peter denied and accepted forgiveness. Forgiveness is vital and central to our faith. We must, MUST, forgive and accept forgiveness for the fullness of our salvation and the glory of God.

Jesus on Trial

Matthew 26:57-68; 27:1-26 , Mark 14:53-65; 15:1-15

Luke 22:63-23:25 , John 18:12-14; 18:19-24; 18:28; 19:16

Jesus frequently clashed with the religious leaders of His time, criticizing their hypocrisy and legalism. His teachings emphasized the importance of mercy, justice, and inner righteousness over external rituals and traditions. This necessary challenge to religious authority stirred up tensions among those who held power within the Jewish hierarchy. Jesus performed numerous miracles and healings, demonstrating His divine authority and power. These acts of compassion and restoration drew large crowds and stirred up excitement and wonder among the people. However, they also provoked skepticism and jealousy among some religious leaders who viewed Jesus as a threat to their influence. Jesus' ministry included an outreach to marginalized groups such as the diseased and sick, tax collectors, sinners, and Gentiles. His willingness to associate with those considered outcasts by society challenged social norms and stirred controversy among the religious elite, who deemed such associations as socially, morally, and spiritually questionable.

Jesus' proclamation of Himself as the Messiah and His teachings about the Kingdom of God stirred up expectations about Jews and Gentiles alike; some to hope and others to fear. Many believed that He would lead a political revolution against Roman oppression and establish a new kingdom. However, Jesus' understanding of the Kingdom as spiritual rather than political caused confusion and disappointment among some.

Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, hailed by the crowds as the long-awaited Messiah, stirred up excitement and anticipation among the people. His subsequent cleansing of the Temple and overturning of the tables of the moneychangers and sellers challenged the corruption within the religious establishment and heightened tensions with the authorities. Jesus' teachings on devotion to God over earthly rulers and His claim to be the Son of God stirred suspicions among the Roman authorities. While Jesus' primary focus was on spiritual matters, His teachings indirectly questioned the legitimacy of Pharisaical and Roman rule.

Jesus was not a combative person; however, He was controversial. He stirred people; this stirring occurred positively and negatively. His ministry was polarizing and depending upon your heart and motivations determined which way you were stirred.

Perhaps nowhere is this stirring more obvious than near the end of His earthly ministry. The trial of Jesus Christ stands as one of the most iconic moments in human history. It was a true Kangaroo Court. It encapsulated the clash between divine truth and human authority. However, it did reveal for certain Jesus' selflessness, humility, and heart; it also bore witness to the intentional injustice, manipulation, and impure motives within the hearts of Jesus' enemies. This event was so pivotal to the Gospel that each writer included it within the framework of their narrative. Examining each account provides a profound insight into the events that unfolded, revealing not only the judicial proceedings but also the profound impact Jesus had on those around Him. In the Gospel accounts, we witness Jesus brought before the Jewish Sanhedrin, the supreme court of the time. False witnesses were also brought forth, yet their testimonies did not align.

Despite the lack of substantial evidence, the high priest, Caiaphas, sought to condemn Jesus (his mind was made up long before the trial). However, it was Jesus' declaration of being the Son of God that ignited the fury of the council, leading to accusations of blasphemy. Following the religious trial, Jesus was brought before the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. In response to the evidence, Pilate found no fault in Jesus. His statement had no effect on the crowd. They continued to demand His crucifixion. Hoping to abate their fury, Pilate beat Jesus within an inch of His life and then presented Him back to His evil accusers. The abuse was not enough. Even against his own wife's advice and plea, Pilate, seeking to appease the crowd, handed Jesus over to be crucified. Pilate made a pivotal statement when he said, "I am innocent of this man's blood." While this statement seems like an absolution of guilt, it does not work that way. You cannot simply decide not to decide. His refusal was a decision, "see to it yourselves, "he said. They quickly accepted the responsibility, "His blood be on us and on our children." This was the definitive verdict! If you embrace Jesus' message, you welcome His blood upon you and your children as a symbol of pardon, salvation, and eternal life. Conversely, if you reject Him and His message, your guilt for His blood remains of eternal consequence, leading to damnation.

Hopefully, Jesus stirs something within you, well, He does! However, we may be too cold or too far away to sense it. How are you responding to His stirring? Do you feel it? Does it bring warmth and obedience or indifference and discomfort?

The trial of Jesus, though a harrowing ordeal, serves as a testament to His willingness to endure unfair accusations, shame, and suffering for the sake of humanity's redemption. It also exposes the depths of human sinfulness and the corrupt nature of power when wielded without righteousness.

As we reflect this week on the events of Jesus' trial and crucifixion, may we be reminded of the profound impact His life and teachings continue to have on humanity.

In the end, the "people's" declaration, "His blood be on us and on our children," echoes through history as a solemn reminder of the profound responsibility each individual bears in accepting or rejecting His stirring.

Jesus Crucifixion

Matthew 27:27-44; Mark 15:21-32;

Luke 23:26-43; John 19:1-27

The crucifixion of Jesus Christ stands as the central event in all human history, embodying God's perfect provision for humanity's greatest needs – redemption from sin and reconciliation with the Father.

Through the passages above, we witness the profound depth of God's love and mercy displayed through the sacrifice of His Son. As we reflect on the crucifixion, we are confronted with the depth of God's love for us. Jesus willingly endured unimaginable suffering and humiliation on the cross, bearing the weight of our sins so that we might be reconciled to God. Despite His agony, Jesus' love remained steadfast, unwavering in His commitment to fulfill the Father's will.

The crucifixion reminds us of the seriousness of sin and the cost of redemption. Jesus sacrificed to atone for our sins and restore our relationship with God. We are offered forgiveness, redemption, and eternal life through His death on the cross. Moreover, the crucifixion demonstrates the extent of God's grace towards us. Despite our shortcomings and failures, God's love remains unchanging. Jesus' sacrifice reminds us that there is no sin that is too great for God's forgiveness. His grace is sufficient for all who come to Him in repentance and faith.

Despite stumbling under the weight of the cross, Jesus demonstrated unwavering resilience and submission to the Father's will, enduring rejection, betrayal, agony, and mockery, yet, in each encounter, He offered them exactly what each of them needed.

Firstly, amidst the chaos of the crucifixion scene, a group of women mourned for Jesus (Luke 23:27-31). In His wisdom, Jesus provided them with comfort and insight, directing their attention to the greater purpose of His sacrifice.

Secondly, as the soldiers were hammering spikes into Jesus' hands, He pronounced, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34).

Then, hanging beside Jesus were two criminals, one of whom recognized His innocence and acknowledged Him as Lord. This criminal cried out for mercy in a moment of profound humility and repentance. Jesus assured him of salvation, demonstrating His power to forgive sins and reconcile humanity to God (Luke 23:32-43).

As Jesus bore the task's weight, His disciples watched from a distance in anguish, grappling with their fear and confusion. Although they might not have comprehended the full significance of Jesus' sacrifice at that moment, His steadfast dedication to His mission undoubtedly affected them, providing a memory they could draw upon for inspiration when faced with their burdensome tasks of martyrdom (Matthew 27:55-56).

Similarly, Jesus' mother, Mary, stood at the foot of the cross, witnessing the excruciating agony her son endured. As a mother, her heart undoubtedly broke as she watched her beloved son suffer such a cruel fate. Yet, even in her grief, Mary found solace in Jesus' words of compassion and care for her, as He entrusted her into the care of the disciple John. John, too, benefitted from the responsibility and honor given to him to care for Mary when he felt as if everything was falling apart (John 19:25-27).

Lastly, despite facing mockery and scorn from the surrounding crowd, Jesus remained silent, enduring their ridicule and ultimately offering grace and humility. His love and obedience to the Father remained steadfast, offering forgiveness and salvation to all who would receive it.

Yes, the crucifixion is a poignant illustration of Jesus' selflessness and deliberate obedience, embodying the essence of His earthly ministry. Throughout His time on earth, Jesus consistently met people where they were, offering them precisely what they needed. It's crucial to emphasize 'what they needed,' not necessarily 'what they desired or prayed for.'

Consider the contrast: those who loved Jesus wished for His continued life, freedom, and avoidance of death. However, what they desired wasn't necessarily what they truly needed. Similarly, the soldiers sought violence and death, yet Jesus responded with forgiveness. Even His mother, yearning for another embrace, received from Jesus what she truly needed—His sacrificial death.

Forgiveness leading to eternal life would be unattainable without the cross and subsequent death. Had Jesus yielded to people's immediate desires, they would have been left lost in sin, separated from God's ultimate plan.

Our lives and desires may be similar. We 'know' what we want God to do for us, but among all the things the cross teaches us, learning to pray, "not My will but Yours be done." It may be among the most important. Fulfillment cannot be found in comfort, ease, and entitlement; True fulfillment lies in trusting God's plan, which offers us life, hope, and eternal salvation.

Reflecting on the crucifixion, may we be reminded of God's boundless love and mercy towards us. Just as Jesus met the diverse needs of those around Him, He continues to meet us in our brokenness today, offering forgiveness, redemption, and eternal hope.

Jesus Death

Matthew 27:45-46

Death was the first consequence God spoke about to Adam and Eve. It feels so wrong and unnatural. We talk about it as part of the life cycle, but it isn’t something that God wanted to be part of his creation. The living, creator God had no desire for decay, brokenness, or death to enter into the world that he had made, but the actions of his created ones allowed an end to enter into the lives of the living things.

Death, whether expected or unexpected, is awful. It goes against the plan that God intended. But it is the unexpected that always seems to hit harder because the reality of an end hits all at once and not slowly over time. Although Jesus tried to prepare his followers and explain what was about to happen, I think they felt completely blindsided, lost, and hopeless because the hope of the world breathed his last.

Although there is a lot to take in from the reality of the death of Jesus, there is also the reality of God making the death of Jesus part of his plan. God took the ugly and broken thing we allowed into his world and began to make something beautiful with it again. However, we are not there yet. We have to start at the beginning of this part of the story in the darkness and work our way to the light.

When we get to the part in the gospels where the writers record the death of Jesus, three of them record that there was darkness from noon to about three in the afternoon. Luke describes it vividly as the sun no longer shining. Creation itself knew that it was entering the darkest hours and responded. The Word who was with God, who was God, who all things were made through, who had life in him that was the light of men–that Word made flesh, Jesus, was dying. How could what he had helped to create not respond to his dying?

For thousands of years, the Jewish people had been offering animal sacrifices to cover their sins, but it had always been a temporary solution. More sacrifice would soon be demanded for more sins committed. Something greater and more valuable would have to come to pay the price to stop the sacrifices. There must be willingness and absolute blamelessness. And now, here, nailed to a cross, existed a sacrifice that could pay the sin debt once and for all. The sin laid upon him, and he cried out to the Father because he experienced a separation he had never known before. The Father had to turn away from his only Son because the sin of the whole world covered him. Though none of the sin was his, he took it on and experienced the shame of his Father being unable to look upon him, breaking the communion they had. Still, the ultimate price had not yet been paid. The ultimate price had to be the sin of the sacrifice. Isaiah 53 tells us that Jesus was crushed for our iniquities and that the punishment that brought us peace was upon him. It says that Jesus was cut off from the land of the living and that it was the Lord’s will to crush him and make his life a guilt offering. To pay the ultimate price there must be death, an end of living. And Jesus, the Son of living God, embraced death, and he breathed his last. It was the will of the Father, and Jesus took it on.

All of the gospels tell us that women who loved and followed Jesus were there with him, perhaps at a distance. John and Luke mention others there as well, watching their friend, their teacher, the one they believed to be the Messiah, die. Hope had died and seemed lost.

Though he tried to tell them, this was not a picture they had in their heads, not a part of the plan they had. But it was happening. And, as he breathed his last, Matthew writes that the earth shook and rocks split open. Not only did his followers, his friends, his loved ones mourn and grieve a terrible loss, but creation itself cried out like one tearing their clothes is despair and loss. The creator who made things alive no longer lived.

Yet, in this darkness, there’s a glimmer. The earth shook, rocks split, hopes and dreams lay dashed, but there was something else happening as well. God was already beginning to take the ugliness and brokenness and make it into something new, to restore what had been lost when Adam and Eve allowed death to enter into his world so long ago. The curtain that separated the holy of holies from the rest of the temple was ripped in two. The holy of holies was where God’s presence on Earth was to dwell, and only certain men were allowed in at certain times to offer sacrifices for the sins of the people. But now that separation is gone! God’s presence may be with all those he loves again at any time because the sacrifice has been made, and the relationship between God and people is beginning to be restored.

Hope had died and would stay dead for three days, but hope was also already at work pulling apart what we made a mess of.

Jesus Burial

Luke 23:50-56

The burial of a monarch is usually filled with pomp and circumstance. Long processions, elaborate decorations, and adoring crowds of mourners lead to a final resting place that clearly marks that someone of great importance has been laid there. However, Jesus received no such fanfare. His body was laid in a hewn-out rock that belonged to one of His followers. The King of Kings was laid to rest in a borrowed tomb.

Here, we meet Joseph of Arimathea. Luke 23:50-51 tells us that he was a good and just man and a member of the Jewish council. Mark and Luke say that he was looking forward to the Kingdom of God, but Matthew explicitly states that he was a follower of Jesus. John goes further to say that he kept his faith a secret out of fear of the Jews. Because of his devotion to Jesus, he did not approve of the decision of the council to kill him.

Now, put yourself in Joseph's shoes. You have risked everything (your reputation, your position of influence, your comfortable life) in order to follow Jesus, and then He's crucified and dies. What do you do next? Do you just accept that maybe you followed the wrong man? Do you simply act like you went along with the majority of the council's decision? Joseph did none of those things. Instead, he boldly approaches Pilate and asks for the body of Jesus. Pilate agrees to this, and Joseph takes Jesus' body off of the cross and wraps it in a linen cloth, and along with Nicodemus (mentioned in John's account), laid Him in his own tomb, which he had built for himself that no one had ever been laid in. Both of these men are members of the social, political, and religious elite and probably weren't used to preparing dead bodies for burial as most in their position would see it as below their position. They both spent lots of money (Nicodemus brings about 75 pounds of spices to prepare the body for burial) and yet risked their own statuses to honor the Savior. This wasn't an easy decision, but rather one that required great risk and sacrifice.

Think about the symbolism; Joseph had prepared for his own death by preparing his final resting place, and yet Jesus, the Lamb of God whose blood was shed for the sins of the world, took his place in the tomb. Not only that but he was laid in a tomb in which no one had ever been laid because Jesus did what no one else could do. Romans 6:23 explicitly tells us the cost of our sin is death! Every human being has sinned and, therefore, must pay the price for their sin. The price must be paid by every person and can't be paid by anyone else because they owe the same debt! However, Jesus never sinned and, therefore, didn't owe the sinner's debt, he was dead and now buried, not in a grand mausoleum or in an ornate church, but rather in a borrowed tomb in a garden not far from where he had been unjustly crucified. The cost of our sin was the death of the Lamb of God. He willingly took our place in death! He paid the price!

Death is permanent. When it comes to the Easter story, we often don't think a lot about Saturday. We feel the sadness of Friday and the overwhelming victory of Sunday, but the hopelessness of Saturday is often overlooked. As Joseph and Nicodemus rush to get him in the tomb before sundown in observance of the Sabbath, you can imagine the hopelessness they both feel. Why didn't God immediately raise Jesus from the dead? Why was the burial required? Paul, in I Corinthians 15:4-5, says that "Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures…" Paul makes it clear that Jesus' burial was important because it confirms that Jesus ACTUALLY died on the cross. Jesus experienced death, the wages of our sin.

There is a finality to burial. It can bring about a feeling of "this is actually happening" or perhaps a moment of closure. So many had followed Jesus' ministry, listened to His sermons, seen Him heal the afflicted, and even some had seen Him raise the dead. And now, He Who had called Lazarus out of a tomb was not being laid to rest in one. It's a reminder that, ultimately, the death of our loved ones was never a part of God's plan for humanity in Eden. That's why it hurts so much to lose someone we love. Death was never supposed to be part of our lives. However, if you are a Christ-follower, we know now that because Jesus died and was buried, that death is not our final end! Our debt was paid by the Messiah, the Savior, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29)! Friday may bring about deep sadness, Saturday may bring about utter hopelessness, but Sunday brings everlasting joy and hope!!

Jesus Burial

Luke 24:1-51

The entirety of Scripture tells the story of reality. God created everything, and humanity rebelled against God (Gen. 3) by deciding to worship the creature rather than the Creator (Rom. 1:25). God's plan of redemption started in the garden when God promised to defeat Satan (Gen. 3:15) and culminates at the cross. In God's grand narrative of human history, a singular event stands at the very heart, exerting transformative power upon every civilization across all generations: the triumphant resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Jesus' Resurrection Power Over Death (Luke 24:1-12)

Jesus displayed his resurrection power over death multiple times during his ministry: the daughter of Jairus (Mark 5:21-43), the only son of a widow (Luke 7:11-17), and Lazarus (John 11:1-44). Jesus miraculously raised all three individuals, but the most significant display of Jesus' resurrection power occurs the morning a group of women visited Jesus' empty tomb in Luke 24.

Cicero once said, "Crucifixion is the most cruel and disgusting penalty; the worst of deaths." The Romans perfected the art of crucifixion, and no one ever survived one. Yet, the morning the women arrived at the tomb, the two angels said, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen" (Luke 24:5-6). Skeptics attempt to provide alternative theories to Jesus' resurrection by claiming the disciples stole the body, the Romans buried Jesus in the wrong tomb, or Jesus never actually died. All such theories have significant flaws and fail to discredit the gospel accounts.

From the beginning of Jesus' ministry, He prophecied His crucifixion and resurrection (Luke 9:22; 18:32-33). When Jesus prophesied these things, the disciples were confused. When the women visited the tomb on resurrection morning, they were perplexed. When the women told Peter and the disciples, they could not believe their story. That is until they were eyewitnesses to Jesus' resurrection power.

Jesus' Resurrection Power Converted Skeptics to Martyrs (Luke 24:13-43)

Did you know that Jesus appeared to over 500 people following his resurrection? (I Cor. 15:3-8) Jesus appeared to Cleopas and an unnamed apostle in Luke 24:13-35. As they were on their way to Emmaus, Jesus walked alongside them. These two men had no idea; they didn't even recognize Jesus! They shared their sadness and grief regarding Jesus' disappearance from the tomb. While Jesus loves the doubter, he challenges their doubt: "Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" (v.26). Jesus reminds these two apostles of God's promise originating in the garden, passed down through Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David, and echoed by the Son of God in his earthly ministry.

In Luke 24:36-49, Jesus appears to his disciples. They were startled and frightened because they thought they saw a spirit. Jesus, yet again, loves the doubter but challenges the doubt. "Why do doubts arise in your hearts? See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have" (Luke 24:38-39). Praise the Lord for his patience and grace. When we struggle with doubt and seek him, Jesus provides evidence of his power.

Other accounts outside of Luke 24 show skeptics surrendering their lives after witnessing Jesus' resurrection power. Thomas became the mascot of those who doubted. Paul "persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it" (Gal. 1:13). James, the half-brother of Jesus, did not believe Jesus was the Messiah (John 7:3-5). Yet, all three of these individuals ended up becoming martyrs because they would not relinquish the claim that Jesus' resurrection actually happened. All of the disciples (except John) and many of the apostles endured persecution and became martyrs for preaching Jesus' resurrection. They did not die for a lie; they died for the truth.

Jesus' Resurrection Power to Save You (Luke 24:44-49)

The culmination of God's promise of redemption is found in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. After Jesus appeared to his followers, he reminded them of God's promise through the Scriptures: "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you." (Luke 24:46-49). In obedience to Jesus, the disciples and apostles scattered to preach about Jesus' resurrection power to all nations. Through repentance for the forgiveness of our sins in Jesus' name, we can stand justified in the eyes of God as well.

If you have never committed to Jesus, know that Jesus died for YOU and can save YOU. He loves you when you feel unworthy and forgives you when you feel unforgivable. Romans 10:9 says, "...if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."

If you are a follower of Christ, be reminded of this truth from the Apostle Paul: "...there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit" (Romans 8:1-4).